134 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



filled with water, so that it will just reach the base of the 

 bulb when it has been placed in position in the cup above. 

 The vessels of dark-colored glass are preferable to those of 

 clear glass, as roots prefer darkness. When the glasses, or 

 bowls as above mentioned, have been arranged, they are set 

 away in a cool, dark place to form roots like potted bulbs. 

 Results are usually secured earlier in water than in soil. To 

 keep the water sweet, a few lumps of charcoal may be put 

 in the glass. As the water evaporates, add fresh; add 

 enough so that it runs over, and thereby renews that in the 

 glass. Do not disturb the roots by taking out the bulb. 



Hydrangea. One of the commonest lawn 

 shrubs is Hydrangea paniculata. The commonest fault in 

 growing it is scattering the plants over the lawn, where 

 they suffer in the competition with grass roots, and do not 

 show off to advantage. It is far better to mass them in 

 front of taller things. The Hydrangea blooms on wood of 

 the season ; therefore it should be pruned after bloom in 

 winter or early spring (see Pruning}. Cut back heavily, in 

 order to secure the strong new shoots upon which the 

 flowers are borne. 



Hyssop. See Sweet Herbs. 



Ice Plant, or MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. Fine little 



plants for rockwork or edging. The majority of the spe- 

 cies are greenhouse and window plants, but a few can be 

 recommended for outdoor planting. A very sunny location, 

 with gravelly soil, will give the best results, either in the 

 open or in the house. Easily propagated by pieces of the 

 plant laid on moist sand in a somewhat sunny place. The 

 common Ice Plant of window- gardens is readily grown from 

 seeds or slips. It is prized for its glandular-glistening thick 

 foliage (whence the common name). The little flowers, 

 which open in sunshine, are also interesting. 



Impatiens Sultani is a generally known con- 

 servatory plant, making a charming pot subject for warm 



